Three herbs Sambucus nigra, Centella asiatica and Echinacea purporea are showing
tremendous potential in the treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases. The
herbs have been shown to elicit promising anti-inflammatory effects in both oral disease
as well as diabetes. Sambucus and Echinacea inhibit proinflammatory activities and have
demonstrated anti-bacterial activity. Centella increases collagen production and contributes
to wound healing. The herbs have been delivered in a variety of formats including oral
rinses, transmucosal patches and hydrogels. Positive clinical results have been reported for
gingivitis and periodontitis [1] and in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers [2].

One of the major medical challenges today is combating biofilms that are frequently
found on implantable medical devices. Biofilms are complex structures that include diverse
microbiota, some of which can be pathogens. The microbes in biofilms are encapsulated
within a polysaccharide matrix. Antibiotics for the most part have not been successful in
controlling biofilms. Recently, anti-microbial approaches based on “microbial exchange”
have shown much promise. Probiotics that have been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders
may have significantly broader healthcare applications. Reports have demonstrated the
potential for probiotics in oral health [3], cancer and cardiovascular disease [4]. Cannabis
has been used by many societies and cultures over time providing both recreational as
well medicinal properties. Three subspecies of cannabis have been characterized including
cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis. The phytochemical components
of cannabis are numerous, and include more than 400 naturally occurring compounds
and greater than 100 different cannabinoids [5]. The five main cannabinoids including
cannabidiol, cannabichromene, cannabigerol, Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol
demonstrate strong antimicrobial activity [6]

Intensive biomedical research has focused on identifying potential applications of
cannabinoids. The development of a specialized medical cannabis has resulted in a cannabis
rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and low in Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Clinical application
areas being pursued include seizures, anti-convulsive therapy, chronic pain, spasticity
associated with multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, memory
loss-Alzheimer’s disease and cancer tumor growth [7]. With the innovative advances in
molecular biology and genomics, therapeutic applications of defined compounds isolated
from cannabis are now in reach.

Identification of new chemical entities may have slowed down, but natural resources
are giving rise to diverse compounds that are poised to make a significant impact on the
health and quality of life of many people.